Latest news with #Pushpa
India Today
a day ago
- General
- India Today
As Delhi slums razed, employers ask domestic helps: Why didn't you come to work?
When the bulldozers arrived at Madrasi Camp on Sunday morning, 38-year-old Pushpa was gathering her steel utensils, trying to save what little she could. Her phone rang four times. Each call was from her 'madam' in Jangpura. Each one asked the same thing: "Kaam pe kyun nahi ayi?" (Why didn't you come to work?)Pushpa says she didn't take any leave for one and a half months, knowing the court case meant trouble, and she'd need those leaves later. Even then, she kept getting calls from the kothis. When asked whether she hadn't informed her employers earlier, she responds, "Kya bolen? Woh bol rahe hain, todhne mein tumhara kya kaam? Bataiye, sadak pe ghar ka samaan chhod ke kaise jaayein? (What do I say? They (employers) are saying, 'What is your business with the demolition?' Now how do I explain that I can't leave my belongings on the streets and come to work?)"advertisementPushpa is one of the 155 families who didn't receive rehabilitation. She says those who've been moved to Narela are already anxious—there's no scope for household work there. "Kaun posh area hai wahan? Koi bartan kapda ka kaam nahi milta (There is no posh area over there that they will find work in others' homes)," she adds. No one asked if her home was still standing. No one came to see if she has a place to sleep tonight. The women who kept the drawing rooms dust-free, made the morning tea, washed the dishes, and scrubbed the marble floors—were conveniently BULLDOZER AND THE DRAIN advertisement The demolition at Madrasi Camp didn't happen out of nowhere. It was part of a Delhi High Court-ordered clearance under the Barapullah Drain Decongestion Project—a critical civic initiative aimed at preventing waterlogging and flooding in South and Central Delhi during the Barapullah Drain, also called the Barapullah Nallah, is a major stormwater channel that cuts across South Delhi—from Lajpat Nagar to Sarai Kale Khan and into the Yamuna. Over the years, rampant encroachment on its embankments had reduced the carrying capacity of this vital drainage artery. What once drained away monsoon deluges now frequently overflows, flooding arterial roads like the Ring Road, Ashram, and to the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), Madrasi Camp was located directly atop a critical section of the Barapullah embankment, narrowing the natural flow of rainwater and acting as a chokepoint. Court orders in 2023 had directed the DDA and Delhi government to clear these encroachments before the 2024 June 1, 2025, the bulldozers came—flanked by Rapid Action Force (RAF), riot control police, and civic officials. 370 homes were razed. 215 were found 'eligible' for rehabilitation. The remaining 155 were OR INVISIBLE? THE REHABILITATION GAPOut of 370 structures, only 215 families were allotted flats in far-off Narela Pocket 4 and 5—over 35 kilometres away, on the city's northern industrial edge. The rest—155 families—were declared ineligible. Their homes were demolished the exclusion? Survey officials told some residents they did not meet cut-off documentation norms—such as having proof of residence before 2015, or voter ID cards linked to the address. Several residents say survey workers even asked whether they had voted in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.'They came with clipboards and asked if we had voted,' says 42-year-old Anand, who also works in four Jangpura homes. 'When we said no, they just said, 'Then you're not on the list.' How does voting decide if we deserve a home?'Anand wasn't alone in making this allegation. At least six families India Today spoke to claimed that surveyors came with printed lists and suggested their names were missing because they hadn't voted in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In some cases, families were told they had skipped two consecutive elections—which, according to officials, made them ineligible for rehabilitation.'I've lived here for over 20 years,' says 55-year-old Rani. 'Last election, I had to go to my hometown in Tamil Nadu—my mother was ill. I couldn't vote. Does that mean you'll take away my home and not give me another?' advertisementThis claim raises urgent questions: Can political disenfranchisement become a tool of exclusion in welfare delivery? With no formal mechanism to challenge survey outcomes, those left out of the list are now sleeping on footpaths or sharing tin-roof shelters with neighbours—left to wait, as fate decides the to official procedure, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) is tasked with issuing eligibility certificates. Initially, 189 families were found eligible. A revised list has added 26 more, but that still leaves over 150 families without any alternative Delhi unit of the CPI(M) has demanded fair rehabilitation for all, raising concerns that the allotted flats in Narela lack basic facilities—such as water supply and electricity India Today reached out to officials involved in the survey, they said the rehabilitation process followed Delhi High Court orders. 'Those not found eligible were not issued certificates. Grievances are still being reviewed,' one official Madrasi Camp has existed for over 60 years. Its shift to Narela, miles away from South Delhi, has stirred anxiety—not just over housing, but livelihoods. For women working as domestic help in nearby Jangpura homes, the move means losing access to employers. For families, the concern runs deeper: around 200 children from the camp attend the Tamil government-aided school near Barapullah. With relocation, their school admissions are now in limbo. If they move to Narela, their education suffers. If they don't, life remains BREADWINNERS TO LIVES IN LIMBO The women of Madrasi Camp were part of Delhi's invisible workforce—maids, cooks, ayahs—who served the city's middle and upper classes. The posh colonies of Jangpura, Bhogal, and Lajpat Nagar relied on many of them are jobless not because their employers let them go, but because they can't afford the commute.'From Narela to Jangpura, it's 2 hours one way,' says Indra, who got a flat in Narela. 'I would need Rs 150 daily just for bus fare. What's the point of a Rs 10,000 - 15,000 salary if Rs 4,000 goes in travel?'advertisementFor those without rehabilitation, it's worse. They don't know where to go. 'I am getting calls from madams asking if I can come now,' says Mumtaz, adding, 'But I have no place to sleep. How can I go to clean someone else's house? To them, we're just hands for housework."The story is no different for Amuda, Shivgamini, and Walarmati—all domestic workers from Madrasi Camp who've spent years working in Jangpura's upscale homes. But now, with their shanties demolished and futures uncertain, what hurts more than the loss of shelter is the complete apathy from the very employers whose homes they've cared for.'Inko kuch nahi padhta humari—bas chahte hain ki hum kisi bhi haalat mein kaam pe aayein (Our employers don't care about us. They just want us to turn up for work)," says Amuda, her voice steady but her eyes restless."They don't care what happens to us. They just want us to show up, no matter what state we're in," she further Shivgamini, the pain is no different. 'Aaj Sunday hai, chhutti ka din hai—phir bhi ek din ki bhi samajh nahi. Aap hi batao, koi makan malik aaya kya humare liye? Koi khada bhi nahi hua. Unhe humari bilkul bhi nahi padhi (Today is Sunday. No one (employers) came to visit us. They don't care about us)," she pauses before adding, 'We give all our energy to their homes—I know they pay us for it. But when our own homes fell, not one came to ask, even once, if we were A HOUSE ENOUGH? WHAT ABOUT THE LIVELIHOOD?Government officials call the Narela flats a 'rehabilitation success.' But for the women of Madrasi Camp, it's displacement disguised as assistance.'Narela has factories and godowns,' says Pushpa, a domestic worker. 'There are no bungalows there. No work. No money. So what do I do with four walls and a ceiling?'For most women, the economy of domestic labour is hyper-local. They work within walking distance—juggling children, husbands, and multiple employers. Rehabilitation schemes rarely account for this reality. A 'house' 35 kilometers away isn't a solution—it's a new CLEARED, LIVES CLOGGEDThe Barapullah Drain may flow freer this monsoon. But the social cost is now writ large across Delhi's footpaths and underpasses—where women who once earned their keep now queue for rations, search for water, or wait for a text from a kothi madam who may never call isn't just about concrete and court orders. It's about people. And Delhi's latest demolition drive has shown just how quickly those people can be forgotten—until someone asks, 'Kaam pe kyun nahi ayi? (Why haven't you turned up for work?)"
Pink Villa
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Pushpa 2 TV premiere: When and where to watch Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil's film in Hindi
Allu Arjun starrer Pushpa 2: The Rule was a massive success when it hit the big screens in December 2024. Directed by Sukumar, the film became one of the highest-grossing Indian movies. It also became one of the trending movies on Netflix after its digital debut. Now, it is going to make its TV premiere in Hindi. When and where to watch Pushpa 2 on TV The makers of Pushpa 2 took to their X handle to announce that the film made its Hindi television premiere on May 31. The movie was broadcast on Zee Cinema. They wrote, "31 May ki shaam, Har ghar goonjegi ek hi awaaz, Pushparaj! Dekhiye #TVParPehliBaar 'Pushpa 2: The Rule', 31 May, shaam 7:30 baje, sirf #ZeeCinema par." Check out the announcement post of Pushpa 2 TV premiere below: Official trailer and plot of Pushpa 2 Pushpa 2: The Rule picks up from where the first part left off. It begins with a red sandalwood consignment arriving at Yokohama Port, where workers are stunned to find Pushpa hidden inside. The story then goes into a flashback. Pushpa aims to topple the state government by helping Siddappa become Chief Minister. He smuggles sandalwood internationally and deceives rivals using clever tactics. His consignment reaches Japan despite Shekhawat's efforts. Tragedy strikes when his niece Kaveri is assaulted, leading to a brutal act of revenge. Pushpa kills Bugga Reddy and his gang. His enemies, including Minister Pratap Reddy and Jaali Reddy, vow retaliation. Meanwhile, he reconciles with his estranged brother, Mohan. But peace doesn't last long, and this forms the main crux of the upcoming installments. Cast and crew of Pushpa 2 Pushpa 2 is written and directed by Sukumar. The film is produced by Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar under Mythri Movie Makers, along with Sukumar Writings. Allu Arjun plays the lead role, joined by Fahadh Faasil and Rashmika Mandanna. The cast also includes Sunil, Anasuya Bharadwaj, Dhanunjay, Rao Ramesh, and Ajay Ghosh. The music is composed by Devi Sri Prasad. Miroslaw Kuba Brozek handled cinematography, while editing is done by Navin Nooli.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rashmika Mandanna on dealing with life's lowest phases: "This day will pass"
Picture Credit: Instagram Rashmika Mandanna has always been open and engaging with her fans on social media, sharing personal thoughts, daily updates, and words of encouragement. The actress, in her latest post, opened up about how she has managed to overcome some of the lowest points in her life. A fan reached out to the 'Pushpa' actress, asking how she copes when everything seems to be going wrong and life feels unbearable. The fan expressed feelings of worthlessness and asked, "What do you do when you hit the lowest phase of your to deal with everything going wrong??? Not willing to live... just feeling worthless. Suggestions, please." — rashmikasreign (@rashmikasreign) Rashmika responded with warmth and honesty, sharing her own remedies to deal with tough times and finding the strength to move forward. She advised the fan, "You just breathe, surround yourself with people you trust-have faith that this day will pass- and you do the same thing tomorrow- and dayafter and before you know it you'll see that you are feeling better-and you'll be so proud of yourself for going and growing through it. " Reacting to her reply, fans wrote, "Really wished she replied to you yesterday and here she is today", and another wrote, "Spend time with your family". Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo On the professional front, Rashmika is currently busy with her upcoming horror-comedy film 'Thama' co-starring alongside Ayushmann Khurrana directed by Aditya Sarpotdar which is expected to release around Diwali 2025. Additionally, she will star in 'The Girlfriend', a female-centric romantic drama. Looking ahead, Rashmika is also part of the pan-Indian blockbuster 'Pushpa 3: The Rampage', directed by Sukumar, and 'Animal Park', the sequel to the 2023 hit 'Animal', expected to come in 2027. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
India.com
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Pushpa Star Allu Arjun Shares Special Message On World No Tobacco Day
New Delhi: Actor Allu Arjun has delivered a powerful message on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day. In a heartfelt post shared across his social media platforms, the celebrated star urged his fans and the public to say no to tobacco. Known not just for his blockbuster films and extraordinary dance moves, but also for his sense of social responsibility, Allu Arjun's message resonated deeply with his audience. Notably, the actor had previously declined a lucrative endorsement deal from a tobacco brand worth ₹10 crore, citing ethical concerns and the importance of setting a positive example for the youth. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Allu Arjun (@alluarjunonline) Taking to his social media, Allu Arjun shared a photo of himself with the hashtag #WorldNoTobaccoDay, captioning it: '#WorldNoTobaccoDay. Pls don't smoke.' 'I believe in promoting a healthy and responsible lifestyle. No matter how big the offer is, it's not worth risking lives,' Allu Arjun said, reiterating his commitment to social well-being over monetary gain. Adding another feather to his cap, Allu Arjun was recently honoured with the inaugural Best Actor Award at the Telangana Government's prestigious Gaddar Telangana Film Awards. The South Indian superstar is also the first Telugu actor to win a National Award for Best Actor. In a heartfelt social media post, Allu Arjun expressed his gratitude: 'I am truly honoured to receive the first Best Actor award for #Pushpa2 at the #GaddarTelanganaFilmAwards 2024. Heartfelt thanks to the Government of Telangana for this prestigious honour. All credit goes to my director Sukumar garu, my producers, and the entire Pushpa team. I dedicate this award to all my fans—your unwavering support continues to inspire me.' Allu Arjun has not only delivered one of the biggest blockbusters with Pushpa, but he is also earning major accolades for the film. Uniquely positioned, he remains one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema while also commanding significant critical acclaim.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Laxman Utekar says nobody is stopping Anurag Kashyap from leaving Bollywood: ‘Unki sensibility nahi hai'
Filmmaker Laxman Utekar recently tasted success with the movie Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal. In a recent interview with Mama's Couch, Laxman reacted to Anurag Kashyap's decision to leave Bollywood and also took a dig at his criticism of Hindi cinema. (Also Read: Anurag Kashyap says Bollywood lacks the 'brains' to make a film like Pushpa: 'Everyone is trying to create a universe') Laxman criticised filmmakers who claimed that the audience didn't understand their films and suggested that they shouldn't make such films in the first place. He advised them to write a book on their story instead of avoiding criticism. He also pointed out that no one had asked these filmmakers to bring about a revolution or change the government with their films, and urged them not to act like 'gyanis' but to simply entertain the audience. Laxman then responded to Anurag Kashyap's decision to quit Bollywood and said, "Chale jao chod kar, beshak chale jao, jisko nahi rehna, chale jao koi zabadasti nahi kar raha hai. See, ye industry aisi hai ki you have to be mentally and creatively happy, then only we can make a great… agar aapka mann nahi hai yahan rehne ka toh aap great film kaise banaoge? Aap chale jao, isse acha (Leave if you want to, nobody is forcing you to stay. You can only make movies if you are creatively happy, and there's no point in forcing yourself if you can't put your heart in it. You should leave).' He also addressed Anurag's claim that audiences lack the sensibility to appreciate the kind of cinema he makes, saying, "Woh galat bol rahe hai jab woh kehte hai ki audience ko sensibilities nahi hai unki film accept karne ki… balki unki sensibility nahi hai audience ka taste accept karne ki. Aaj 700-800 crore tak business kar rahi hai films… how can you say cinema is dying? Aap collection toh dekho Baahubali ka, RRR ka, Pushpa ka—1200 crore tak ka collection tha. Ya phir Chhaava ka ₹800 crore ka collection hai. Sensibility aapki change honi chahiye kyunki aap wahin par aatke huye ho. (How can you say cinema is dying when movies are doing business of over ₹1000 crore? You should change your sensibilities instead of telling the audience to change themselves).' He further noted how cinema is constantly evolving every three years, and that filmmakers need to adapt rather than remain fixated on one approach. He emphasised that films should at least connect with middle- and lower-class audiences who come to watch them in theatres. Earlier, in an interview with The Hindu, Anurag expressed his disappointment with Hindi cinema and said, "I want to stay away from film people. The industry has become too toxic. Everyone is chasing unrealistic targets, trying to make the next ₹500 or ₹800 crore film. The creative atmosphere is gone." In the same interview, Anurag also revealed that he has moved out of Mumbai and is now working on establishing himself in the South. Meanwhile, Laxman's Chhaava turned out to be a massive success at the box office. The movie, starring Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yasubai, and Akshaye Khanna as Emperor Aurangzeb, collected ₹807 crore worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Bollywood film of the year.
